The 14 Point Blog is MOVING!

Hey guys, the 14 Point Blog is moving to MLive.com.

You can catch us at http://blog.mlive.com/the14-pointblog/ .

Happy reading, thank you Blogspot.

Player Signings

Just a quick note. Bucks alum Eric Brunner has signed with the Columbus Crew, joining Bucks alum Pat Noonan at the club. For those that don't remember, Brunner helped lead the Bucks to the 2007 PDL North American Championship game, before falling to Laredo on penalty kicks. The 6-4 defender can play in the middle of defense as well as on the left side. The Ohio native and Buckeye alum, was originally drafted in January 2008 by the New York Red Bulls, but eventually signed with Miami FC of the USL First Division. He was in training camp with New York earlier this year, but joined up with the Crew when they returned from their trip to England two weeks ago. The Red Bulls completed the long-rumored trade of Brunner's rights to the Crew in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2011.

Another 2007 Bucks alum, George Josten has signed with the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division. The striker spent last season with the Crew and had a loan spell with the Cleveland City Stars of the USL Second Division.

Speaking of Cleveland, Bucks right back for the last two years, Kyle Russell is on trial with the newly promoted USL First Division side. Russell trained earlier this month with the Charleston Battery. A number of player moves should be announced in the coming days as MLS sides finalized their rosters and USL teams begin to sign more players. Watch this space.

Giving Blood and Getting Cookies

Every three months I donate blood to the American Red Cross, which I’m about to go do as soon as I finish this post. I’d like to say it’s because I want to help save lives, but to be honest its about the two packs of Chips Ahoy (three packs if I flirt with the nurse) that I receive afterwards. Sure saving lives feels great, but how often do I get free cookies? Speaking of which, did anyone see the Office two weeks ago?

We’re getting ready to announce some big things for the season. I know the excitement is killing everyone, anticipating the anticipation is extremely hard work. Just dotting T’s, crossing I’s and making you all wait a bit longer for it.

In going with my anticipation theme, I can say that at least two Bucks alumni are set to sign for MLS teams this week, ahead of MLS First Kick this Thursday between New York and Seattle. For those interested, the Motor City Supporters will be holding a viewing party for the game at Station 885 in Plymouth, which proudly hangs a Michigan Bucks scarf in their bar, starting at 9:00 PM. You can RSVP for the event via Facebook.

Finally, while I find it very difficult to pay attention when a basketball game is on, March Madness is upon us. What else would the Bucks front office do but create a pool for our fans to participate in? I’m happy to see Michigan was selected for the first time in eleven years, but I plan on picking these games based on which mascots I like the most. To join click here.

Group ID#: 110804
Password: bucks

Off to get my cookies.

March Madness!

It didn't dawn on me when I was born, that there was a particular reason why I was born in the month of March. The simple reason, my birthday is a celebration of March Madness. As I celebrate my birthday tomorrow, NCAA Basketball will be preparing for the most intense month of the year. I am an avid college basketball fan, rooting for the University of Kentucky since I was in middle school. Unfortunately on a side note, it looks like they have a lot of work left to do, to get into the tournament this year. But what is it that so many people find fascinating. Each year, we hear the numbers, millions of works hours are lost with people watching live streams of games in their cubicles. Is it the fact that a small Podunk school can take down the Goliath? Or could it be the last second shot by the guy who hasn't made a basket yet? For me personally, its the upsets. I love to see the little guys get their chance, and make a Cinderella run. Of course that brings me to the next point. The tournament bracket. Filling out a tournament bracket is a must for everyone. Whether you choose to spend hours doing your homework and analyzing why a team should win, or if you want to choose by which mascot would win in a fight ( I wouldn't approve this method, last year my wife picked the Maryland Terrapins because she like the Turtle mascot). We will most certainly have an online bracket for everyone to participate in.But is NCAA basketball the only March Madness going on? This past week I have witnessed some of the best soccer matches I have ever seen. The Champions League has been entertaining, and action packed. Before the round of 16 started, Jeff (Office Soccer Guru) wanted us to fill out which teams would advance out of this round. I want to make it known that, I came out the winner, picking all 8 winners correctly. I just wish I could pick the Streak For Cash that easy. Jeff (Office Soccer Guru) only picked six correctly, with Bayern Munich and Roma selections. Brad on the other hand, I am not sure if he was just throwing darts at a board, but he only got five correct, missing on Sporting Lisbon, Juventus, and Real Madrid. Once the draw is complete we will make sure we get more people involved in the next round.

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I look forward to the selections for both the Champions League as well as the NCAA bracket. Enjoy.

Kyle Karns
President of Operations

GOAL!!!

Well if you like goal scoring then yesterday's matches from the UEFA Champions League should have been a day in heaven. Most people that think soccer is boring say there aren't enough goals to keep them interested. I don't agree with that sentiment but the 12 goals between two games yesterday was definitely a show of more offense.

Luckily for me when it comes to my ESPN Streak for the Cash, I left the Bayern-Sporting and Liverpool-Real Madrid games alone because I wasn't confident in the outcome. I've worked really hard for my 3 game winning streak so I am waiting on another for sure win. As if there is one. That's what I can't figure out. I try to really look into all of the variables as I make my picks but it seems that more often than not it tends to backfire on me. So I have decided to just go with my gut and stop doing my 30min of homework before each pick. We will see how it continues to go. So far I have 3 wins with this new system. Remember to sign up for the "Michigan Bucks Pool" to compete against Bucks staff and other fans.


Well we are now only 2 1/2 weeks away from the first Bucks hosted event of 2009, the second annual, College Cup. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you here soon. Keep your eyes open for the Insider which will have all the details regarding this event.